Goodall Barnard Builders and Developers was founded in 1875 in Worting, Basingstoke, by Henry James Goodall. His son, Harry Goodall followed and later Dick Barnard joined the business. Each helped to create and develop this modern and forward thinking construction business. Hugh Barnard, who recently retired, was the last of the family members to be involved with the day to running of the business. The mantle is now in the capable hands of the current Managing Director, David Whitmarsh, who joined the business in 1983 and became Joint Managing Director in 1985.

Durable reminders of the firm’s early days in Basingstoke are plentiful, with Fairfields School (Top Left) built in 1880 being particularly notable. In over 125 years in business, the firm has built many fine buildings. One hundred and ten schools were constructed by the company in a ten-year period of regional growth in the 1960’s and 70’s, for Hampshire and Berkshire County Councils.

Goodall Barnard continues to prosper by providing a competitive and complete general contracting service to both private and public sector clients. All types of building works, both new and renovation are covered. In addition the firm often works with a variety of Architects to provide clients with a comprehensive design & build service. This builds on the skills and knowledge obtained from the company’s own successful residential and commercial property development.

With significant skills and experience in working with historic and listed buildings, Goodall Barnard has undertaken several attractive and sensitive conversions, providing new homes or modern offices from previously derelict oak framed farm buildings and barns. The company’s present headquarters provide evidence of this in the village of Sherborne St. John.

Over the years many awards have been won – including Civic Trust, RIBA and British Housebuilder of the Year and National Speculative Housing Design awards. Each emphasizes the firm’s continuing good quality and careful design that survives the passage of time. Training and safety issues are an important priority, with the management team careful to select its suppliers and skilled trades people, in order to maintain a reputation for quality, safe working and good design.